Captain Otway Burns

Captain Otway Burns once tossed a lawyer who had insulted him into the Neuse River in New Bern, North Carolina. This larger-than-life merchantman, patriot, privateer, entrepreneur and politician made his mark in the War of 1812 and on North Carolina yet has largely been forgotten. He was one of the war's most daring and successful privateers on his ship Snap Dragon, and his actions as a lawmaker helped expand the power of the common people. He built historically significant ships and invested in many businesses as well as helped build Fort Macon, which still stands two centuries later. Burns' headstrong desire to always do the right thing cost him his marriage, his senate seat and more. This book presents the complete story of a national celebrity of the 19th century whose legacy continues in the present day.